Posted on 06/01/2010 10:28:07 PM PDT by ErnstStavroBlofeld
Answer: a second lieutenant with a map.
Over-reliance on technology can be a very bad thing.
I didn't need a map my last two years in Germany. I knew where all of the best bachereis und gasthauses were in my area of operations, which spanned an area from Hahn AB to Bitburg AB.
We use aerial navigation charts to plot locations.
I used to tell my soldiers, "Technology is wonderful, when it works."
Being a technical support type, though, I know from experience that equipment fails, often when you need it the most. If you have no backup skills / tools, you're out of commission.
Not to mention that we carried a lot of weight in batteries, and the re-supply was sometimes not able to keep up with the requirement.
A map, and a compass, and the skills to use them, are still important to the ground-pounders.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.